Energy Efficiency, Industrial, Utilities  -  May 17, 2019

Honda explores 2nd life for batteries

Honda announced it is conducting research in partnership with American Electric Power (AEP), the Ohio-based electric utility, to develop a network of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries that could be integrated into AEP's electricity system. Honda will provide used Fit EV batteries to AEP, which will study integrating the batteries into the utility’s electricity grid.

The project, part of Honda’s ongoing effort to reduce CO2 emissions from its vehicles and operations, seeks to address multiple challenges related to the expansion of EVs, including the repurposing of used EV batteries, the expected impact of EV demand and renewable energy on the nation's utility operators and the integration of EV batteries as a storage solution for the electric grid, according to a statement from Honda. The increasing volume of EVs has the potential to strain the power grid, including spikes in demand during early evening hours when drivers plug in their EVs after work. Storing additional power in used EV batteries can help utilities meet demand by using renewable energy resources.           

"Together with AEP, we are exploring opportunities to use the 2^nd life battery to improve energy security, reduce CO₂and prepare for broad-scale electrification of the transportation ecosystem," said Ryan Harty, manager of Connected and Environmental Business, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Neither automakers nor utilities can address these complex technical, policy and business issues alone."

AEP and Honda will jointly gain knowledge and expertise from the pilot project that will help both companies to develop technology and standards for future vehicle grid integration, as well as new business models to improve the value of EVs.

Honda has set a voluntary goal to reduce CO₂ emissions from its vehicles and operations by 50 percent by 2050 compared to the year 2000, and toward this goal has announced plans to electrify two-thirds of its fleet by 2030.

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